Judging Horse Events – Ranch Riding Class

Jan 29, 2020 | Horse Judging, Horses

The purpose of the ranch riding class is to showcase a horse’s ability to be pleasurable to ride and to convey their ability to perform ranch tasks.

  • The horse should convey the versatility, attitude, and movement of a working ranch horse which include being well-trained, relaxed, quiet, soft and cadenced at all gaits.
  • The horse should work at a forward working speed with a ground-covering strides at each gait. At extended gaits, horses should show an extension of stride.
  • A horse being shown with light contact or a loose rein, but not a full drape.
  • Horses should maintain a natural ranch horse appearance throughout the pattern.
  • Transitions should be smooth and responsive.
  • The use of natural logs is encouraged and posting at the extended trot and touching or holding the saddle horse is acceptable.
  • Since this class is used to convey a horse capable of completing ranch work, hoof polish, braided or banded manes, and tail extension are not allowed. Additionally, trimming the inside of the ears and silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged.

Patterns

Different associations provide multiple patterns. Pattern I from the AQHA is displayed below:

Scoring

Before scoring a ranch riding class, the judge should be familiar with each association’s rules and regulations as they may differ from one another. The scoring system for this class ranges 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an average performance.

Maneuver Score

Each maneuver indicated in the pattern receives a maneuver score of +1 1/2 to -1 1/2 with half point increments and 0 indicating an average maneuver. The following are the general guidelines used to determine appropriate maneuvers scores:

+1 1/2 Excellent
+1 Very Good
+1/2 Good
0 Average/Correct
-1/2 Poor
-1 Very Poor
-1 1/2 Extremely Poor

Penalties

  • Common penalty points are 1, 3, and 5
  • Exhibitors may also receive a Off-Pattern (OP) or 0 score. These are generally reserved for instances such as breaking the pattern, abuse of the animal or illegal equipment.
  • There are no specific penalties will be incurred for nicks/hits on logs or over/under spins, but deduction may be made in the maneuver score.
  • Judges and exhibitors should refer to the desired association specific guidelines, rules, patterns, and score sheets for the most accurate information.

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